The National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska was awarded a contract from U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) in 2015 to investigate horizontal and vertical nuclear proliferation. This research is being led by Rupal Mehta and Tyler White of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Political Science. The two academics also hosted a workshop in Washington DC to examine extended deterrence and assurance, with specific attention to East Asia and NATO. The workshop involved policymakers, academics and represenatives from the U.S. and U.K. governments.